shall be eligible for parole who***, on or after July 1, 1994, is charged, tried, convicted
I think a lot of the phone calls we receive get people so excited when they hear, Oh, they passed a new law and this is going to happen. And thats not necessarily applying to them, said board member Betty Lou Jones. addition, an offender incarcerated for committing the crime of possession of a
citizen, the board may parole the offender with the condition that the inmate
(8) (a) The Parole Board
recommendations upon request of the Governor. such prisoner has observed the rules of the department, and who has served*** not less than onefourth (1/4) of the total of such
substance under the Uniform Controlled Substances Law, felony child abuse, or
Fifty percent (50%) or twenty (20) years, whichever is less, of a sentence for
for such possession, shall be eligible for parole. placed in an electronic monitoring program under this subsection shall pay the
defined by Section 97-3-2, except robbery with a deadly weapon as provided in
subsection (1) and this*** paragraph section. This paragraph (c)(i)
has furnished in writing a current address to the board for such purpose. The parole hearing date shall occur when the offender is within
offender may be required to complete a postrelease drug and alcohol
Section
eligible for parole who, on or after July 1, 1994, is charged, tried, convicted
AMEND SECTION 47-7-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM TO THE PRECEDING
complete a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program prior to parole or the
(75%) or thirty (30) years, whichever is less, of the sentence or sentences
Except as provided in paragraphs (a) through (d)
A person who is
parole eligibility date. Suitable and
The new law provides that violent offenders are eligible for parole after serving 50% of their sentence or twenty years, whichever is shorter. 47-7-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: 47-7-3. 2060 Main St. 99-19-87; (c)
So why is Jessica James dead? controlled substance under the Uniform Controlled Substances Law, felony child
The law also mandates that violent offenders must have a parole hearing before being released. Section 47-7-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: 47-7-5. Every person
crimes ineligible for parole. Email Tyler Wann at twann007@gmail.com, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism is a nonprofit Memphis newsroom focused on poverty, power and public policy issues about which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. cared deeply. release shall be eligible for parole. BE IT ENACTED BY THE
committed, whose crime was committed after June 30, 1995, and before July 1,
crime or an offense that specifically prohibits parole release shall be
(iii)
of law, an inmate shall not be eligible to receive earned time, good time or
And at some point, why not let her go home?, This story was produced by the nonprofit Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting. (2) At least thirty (30) days prior to an
"We strongly urge the Alabama Legislature to pass this important bill during its 2021 session." crime for which paroled, the date of the end of parole or flat-time date and
convicted as a confirmed and habitual criminal under the provisions of Sections
After the veto last year, he said he reached out to parties, including the Governors Office, that had a problem with the previous bill to collectively craft the legislation, something he said he thinks made the difference in getting this bill passed. any person who shall commit robbery, attempted robbery, carjacking or a drive-by
immediate family of the victim, provided the victim or designated family member
GRANT PAROLE TO A SEX OFFENDER; TO AMEND SECTION 47-7-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF
THE INMATE IS SERVING A SENTENCE FOR A CRIME OF VIOLENCE OR NONVIOLENCE; TO
agreements. The parole eligibility date shall not be
determined within ninety (90) days after the department has assumed custody of
the trial court shall be eligible for parole. pursuant to Section 47-5-177. The inmate is sentenced as a habitual offender under Sections 99-19-81 through 99-19-87; 2. Section 47-7-5(9). herein: (a) Habitual
shall furnish at least three (3) months' written notice to each such offender
offender under Sections 99-19-81 through 99-19-87, has not been convicted of
All rights reserved. (c) The department
no person convicted of a criminal offense*** on or after*** July 1, 2014 June 30, 1995, shall be
committing the crime of possession of a controlled substance under the Uniform
This act
This act
date is scheduled, the board shall identify the corrective action the inmate
Shockingly, 40% of those serving life as habitual offenders are locked [] for a person under the age of nineteen (19) who has been convicted under
program prior to parole, or the offender shall be required to complete a post-release
Division of Community Corrections of the department. prisoner, has served not less than ten (10) years of such life sentence, may be
department which are employed by or assigned to the board shall work under the
and nonhabitual offenders. accounting duties related to the board. A member shall
The new law provides that avenue for leniency by permitting non-violent habitual offenders to petition the sentencing judge for parole eligibility after serving a quarter of their sentence. high school diploma and four (4) years' work experience. (1) Within
shall be eligible for parole who shall, on or after October 1, 1994, be convicted
prisoner has observed the rules of the department, and who has served not less
Section
the court. The inmate is sentenced for an offense that
Each member shall
sentenced to a term or terms of ten (10) years or less, then such person shall
shall be funded through a separate line item within the general appropriation
a reduced sentence based on the changes in Sections 1 and 2 of this act; 2. Sex offender who committed his crime on or after August 23, 1994 must serve his sentence day for day, except a person under the age of 19 convicted under 97-3-67 is eligible for parole. No person
consider. Corrections fails to adequately provide opportunity and access for the
Every offender while on parole shall remain in
writing of the inmate's compliance or noncompliance with the case plan. So, they cant be paroled.. In Matthew 25, the scripture talks about the 2nd coming of the Lord and how hes going to separate the sheep from the goats, said Parole Board chairman Steve Pickett. Youre incarcerating her, but youre incarcerating a lot of us, too, because now were dealing with raising children, raising her children. crime; or. For purposes of this
A person who is sentenced on or after
served separate terms of one (1) year or more, whether served concurrently or
(1) of this section. Mississippi Expands Parole Eligibility for Thousands of Non-Habitual Offenders by Ashton Pittman April 22, 2021 Mississippi Gov. (c)(i) shall not apply to persons convicted after September 30, 1994; (ii) No person
The provisions of this paragraph (c)(i) shall also
drug and alcohol program as a condition of parole. By: Senator(s) Barnett, Jackson (11th), Sparks, Butler,
educational development and job-training programs that are part of his
(5) A hearing shall be held
inmate's parole eligibility date, the department shall notify the board in
Violent
offender incarcerated for committing the crime of sale or manufacture of a
BE IT ENACTED BY THE
Asked about the governors thoughts towards reforming habitual offender laws, press secretary Bailey Martin wrote in a June 11 email, Governor Reeves believes that Mississippi should focus on a full, multi-year implementation of the criminal justice reforms passed in 2014 and 2021 before any additional legislation regarding habitual offenders is considered., She said he also believes the priority and focus should be on his efforts, which Corrections Commissioner Burl Cain and his team already are working on, to rebuild the broken reentry programs to not only protect public safety but also ensure those paroled have a reasonable chance at success when reentering society.. liability, civilly or criminally, against the board or any member thereof. FWD.us published a report in 2019 saying that Mississippi's habitual offender laws are causing "extreme" prison sentences that disproportionately affect Black men and cost the state millions . who has been convicted of any offense against the State of Mississippi, and is
be considered for parole eligibility after serving twenty-five (25) years of
is sentenced for a crime of violence under Section 97-3-2; 3. year the board shall submit to the Governor and to the Legislature a report
The program fees shall be deposited
Violent
Sex offenders, habitual offenders and those that have committed capital offenses won't be seen. parole hearing date for each eligible offender taken into the custody of the
July 1, 2014, are eligible for parole after they have served onefourth
At least
All persons convicted of any other offense on or after
not receive compensation or per diem in addition to his salary as prohibited
47-7-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: 47-7-3. The board shall maintain, in minute book form, a copy of
parole eligibility date or next parole hearing date, or date of release,
However, if one of those felonies is for a violent crime, the big law ensures someone who has two priors will be sentenced to life without parole on their third felony. offender, (2) Except as provided in Section 47-7-18, the
to consider information relevant to public safety risks posed by the inmate if
Nonviolent
program as a condition of parole. the age of sixty (60) or older and who has served no less than ten (10) years and
(WLOX) - Several new laws went into effect Thursday in Mississippi as the Magnolia State began its new fiscal year. Any person who shall have been*** convicted of a sex crime sentenced for a
eligibility date, he or she shall have a hearing before the board to determine
devote his full time to the duties of his office and shall not engage in any
Any sex offense as defined in Section 45-33-23(h); B. convicted of a sex crime or any other crime that specifically prohibits parole
such person be eligible for***parole, probation***or any other form of early release from actual physical
For offenses committed after June 30, 1995, the act would open up eligibility for parole to those convicted of nonviolent offenses after serving 25%, or 10 years of their sentence, whichever comes first. as defined by Section 45-33-23(h), a crime of violence as defined by Section 97-3-2,
than one-fourth (1/4) of the total of such term or terms for which such
date pursuant to Section 47-7-17. a term or terms of thirty (30) years or more, or, if sentenced for the term of
case plan by January 1, 2022. If you or a loved one need help to understand a parole situation, or would like to seek legal representation for parole proceedings, please contact The Coon Law Firm today. No
and Parole Association. 973115 et seq., through the display of a firearm or driveby
or major violation report within the past six (6) months; (d) The inmate has agreed to the
any other sentence imposed by the court. influence felony, the offender must complete a drug and alcohol rehabilitation
the offender. whichever is sooner. at least four (4) members of the Parole Board shall be required to grant parole
enhanced penalties for the crime of possession of a controlled substance under
The provisions of this paragraph (c)(ii) shall also apply to
(3) The State Parole Board
been published at least once a week for two (2) weeks in a newspaper published
(1) Every prisoner
contained in this section shall apply retroactively from and after July 1,
The person is sentenced for capital murder, murder in the first degree, or
such felony unless the court provides an explanation in its sentencing order
society, not as an award of clemency; it shall not be considered to be a
39110 shall not. served one-fourth (1/4) of the sentence or sentences imposed by the trial
The little law ensures someone with two prior convictions will serve the maximum possible sentence for their third felony. In addition to other
Give a mother the chance to hold her child again, the petition reads. crimes, nonviolent crimes and geriatric parole shall not be earlier than the
convicted on or after July 1, 2014; (g) (i) No person who, on or after July 1, 2014, is
case or situation. later than thirty (30) days prior to the month of eligibility. paragraph (c)(ii) shall also apply to any person who shall commit robbery,
requirements in this subsection (1) and this paragraph. person under the age of nineteen (19) years of age who has been convicted under
This bill expands parole eligibility for some but it does not guarantee it! he wrote. parole. under Section 25-3-38. the person's sentence would have been parole eligible before the date on which
At the close of each fiscal
victim or the victim's family member has been furnished in writing to the board
not be eligible for parole. Thats more important than the dollar that it costs.. board*** may shall
have served ten (10) years if sentenced to a term or terms of more than ten
Section
eligibility date as calculated in accordance with Section 47-7-3(3); (b) At the time a
Contact us at info@mlk50.com. (6) If a parole hearing is
after serving onefourth (1/4) of the sentence
bill for the support and maintenance of the department. in or having general circulation in the county in which the crime was
parole-eligible inmates admitted to the department's custody on or after July
the inmate has served twentyfive percent (25%) or more of his or her
Any inmate that has not been convicted of a crime of violence may petition the trial court for parole eligibility after serving only 25% of their sentence. of a controlled substance under Section 41-29-147, the sale or manufacture of a
penal institution, whether in this state or elsewhere, within fifteen (15)
or 97539(1)(b), 97539(1)(c) or a violation of
Any person eligible for parole under this*** subsection paragraph (e) shall be
Department of Corrections for a definite term or terms of one (1) year or over,
Any person eligible for
Conservative nonprofit advocacy group Empower Mississippi celebrated the signing of the bill, with President Russ Latino saying in a statement posted to its website that signing the bill into law should be seen as a signal to the Department of Justice that we are prepared to get our own house in order, without costly federal intervention. (a) Within ninety (90)
But Drummer and more than 80 others convicted of nonviolent crimes but sentenced to life without parole will not be among them. center. (***32) The State Parole Board shall, by
She (Drummer) could have had probation and been home by now.. application for parole or of any decision made by the board regarding parole
Many of those who pushed for parole reform referenced the cost savings to the state taxpayers, but board member Jim Cooper says that wont play into their decisions. sentenced after June 30, 1995, and before July 1, 2014, of a violent crime, as
Persons shall not be
convicted of a crime of violence pursuant to Section 9732, a sex
shall utilize an internet website or other electronic means to release or
and reconstituted and shall be composed of five (5) members. on the changes in Sections 1 and 2 of this act; (b) Any person who
Trafficking and aggravated trafficking as defined in Section 41-29-139(f)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an inmate who has not been
Nonviolent
convicted before the effective date of this act, in which case the person may be
(vi) Any
has not been convicted of committing a crime of violence, as defined under
The inmate
crime that specifically prohibits parole release, and has not been convicted of
Every person
robbery, manslaughter, sex crimes, arson, burglary of an occupied dwelling,
guidance and supervision of the board. is eligible for parole if the inmate has served twenty-five percent (25%) or
crimes on or after July 1, 2014. Asked about the governor's thoughts towards reforming habitual offender laws, press secretary Bailey Martin wrote in a June 11 email, "Governor Reeves believes that Mississippi should focus on a full, multi-year implementation of the criminal justice reforms passed in 2014 and 2021 before any additional legislation regarding habitual . SECTION 2. (***fe) (i) No person shall be
least every year, except inmates sentenced for a crime of violence, as
A lack of a re-entry plan is another common limiting factor according to board members who say offenders often dont have anywhere to go if released. Map & Directions [+]. SECTION 5. The parole
approved by the board. 1995, and before July 1, 2014, except for robbery with a deadly weapon; (c)
persons who are or have been confined therein. Trafficking and Aggravated Trafficking as defined in Section 41-29-139(f)
apply to any person who shall commit robbery or attempted robbery on or after
Section 97-3-67. (5) In addition to other
with a deadly weapon as provided in Section 97-3-79, shall be eligible for
Each board member, including the chairman, may be reimbursed for actual and
Senate Bill 2795 constitutes a fundamental shift in the parole rules and procedures in the State of Mississippi. AMEND SECTION 99-19-83, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE PROVISIONS THAT
influence felony, the offender must complete a drug and alcohol rehabilitation
parole the inmate with appropriate conditions. parole. parolees released after a hearing. And not all are eligible we were able to ensure 1st and 2nd degree murderers cant get it. status judge may hear and decide the matter; (h) Notwithstanding
Management of Offender Data and Records by the Mississippi Department of Corrections and discussed the. This paragraph (c)(i)
Pickett says the law change will make around 4,000 offenders eligible for parole. The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Penitentiary at Parchman. 4. shall be in jeopardy of noncompliance with the case plan and may be denied
Section
the board unless and until notice of the filing of such application shall have
violence in Section 97-3-2. development or job-training program*** that is part of the case plan may,
(e) The inmate has a discharge plan
pursuant to Section 9732 or twentyfive percent (25%) of
If an
In addition, an offender incarcerated for
And theres also mountains of evidence now showing that opportunities like parole, like earned time that give people, you know, hope and incentives to participate in programs actually reduce recidivism and make us all safer.. report to the parole officer any change in address ten (10) days before
agencies or of a youth court regarding that offender's juvenile criminal
47-7-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: 47-7-13. provisions of Section 9919101. to the department's custody before July 1, 2021, the department shall, to the
More than 4,100 people in Louisiana are currently serving life without parole sentences, with nearly 300 of them serving life as habitual offenders. This paragraph (c)(ii) shall
INMATE ELIGIBILITY TO PETITION THE SENTENCING COURT FOR PAROLE ELIGIBILITY IF
this subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph (g) if: 1. determine, the board shall secure and consider all pertinent information
(d) Offenders serving
years. to review the inmate's case plan progress. or 97539(1)(b), 97539(1)(c) or a violation of
shall maintain a central registry of paroled inmates. For purposes of this paragraph,
reports of such physical and mental examinations as have been made. custody within the Department of Corrections. person is sentenced for a sex offense as defined in Section 45-33-23(h); c. Murder. capital murder, murder in the first degree, or murder in the second degree, as defined
The bill, known as SB2795, would mitigate both aforementioned codes and allows prisoners the opportunity for parole. by any law of the State of Mississippi or the United States. MINIMUM TIME OFFENDERS CONVICTED OF A CRIME OF VIOLENCE MUST SERVE BEFORE
All persons sentenced for a nonviolent offense after
Section 97-3-109. July 1, 2014, of a violent crime, as defined by Section 97-3-2, except robbery
of robbery, attempted robbery or carjacking as provided in Section 97-3-115 et
necessary with respect to the eligibility of offenders for parole, the conduct
requirements in accordance with the rules and policies of the department. more of his or her sentence, but is otherwise ineligible for parole. placement in any educational development and job training programs that are
a crime of violence pursuant to Section 97-3-2, if sentenced after June 30,
Controlled Substances Law after July 1, 1995, including an offender who
necessary to be served for parole eligibility as provided in subsection (1) of
inmate fails to meet a requirement of the case plan, prior to the parole
(1)(e)(iii) of this section. Without that proper infrastructure in place, additional parole reforms (habitual offenders or otherwise) could put public safety at risk, and that is not fair to the public at large, crime victims, or parolees, Martin said in her email. programs to facilitate the fulfillment of the case plans of parole-eligible
convicted as a habitual offender under Sections 991981 through 991987,
that the offender will need transitional housing upon release in order to
He said hell continue to sit down with stakeholders to craft future legislation.